Mary Ann Ragusa

Mary Ann Ragusa, age 86, a lifelong resident of Joliet and a resident of The Timbers in Shorewood for the past three years, passed away on Friday, August 29.

Family was everything to Mary Ann. She was a cherished and loving mother to Linda (John)Bowers, Marc (Debra) Ragusa, Lori (Paul) Maticic, Carrie (Robert) Baldacci, and John Ragusa. She was also a beloved grandmother to Candace Thomas, Emily Simon, James Matesevac, Nick Bowers, Lauren Jameson, Cathrine Maticic, Claire Maticic, Meg Maticic, Anne Maticic, Elaine Baldacci, Holly Taylor, Evan Baldacci and Josh Ragusa. Great-grandmother to ten. She is also survived by her brother, John Bazzoni, niece Lisa Bazzoni, and great-nephew, Matthew Bazzoni.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 28 years, Frank J. Ragusa(†2004), her mother, Teresa (Filak) Bazzoni, her father, Mario Bazzoni, her brother, Dennis Bazzoni and nephew, Michael Bazzoni.

Mary Ann had a warm and generous spirit, always providing unwavering love and support. She celebrated every holiday and birthday with her delicious homemade cooking, opening her home to anyone who wanted to join the party. She enjoyed many years of traveling the world with her husband, Frank, and their family and friends, always returning with great stories to share about their adventures. She and Frank enjoyed watching the Bears and traveled to rival cities to attend games. They enjoyed playing golf and many activities with friends. Mary Ann was a treasured friend to her fellow residents and the staff at The Timbers where she resided for the last 3 years. Having moved there after living in the home she and Frank built in 1977. She loved talking to people and learning all about them. She always had a joke to tell and always befriended and encouraged new residents to join in whatever activity was going on and she brought warmth and laughter to all who knew her. 

Mary Ann attended St. Joseph Grade School, class of 1952, and was a graduate of Joliet Township High School, class of 1956. She dedicated many years to serving as a tutor at St. Joseph School. She retired from the Illinois Department of Corrections after 26 years of service. She was a member of St. Joseph Seniors, the American Italian Cultural Society, and K.S.K.J. Her memory will live on in those who knew her. She will be remembered for her lively spirit and joyful humor and will live on through her family and the many lives she touched.

Mary Ann was a truly wonderful person who will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 8, 2025 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Rd, Joliet, IL. with chapel services beginning at 11:00 am at the funeral home. The procession will depart the funeral home to St Joseph Cemetery, 1500 N. Raynor St, Joliet, IL. where Mary Ann will be laid to rest.